AULast updated 24 August 2026
Australia
A direct university application route followed by a Confirmation of Enrolment and a Subclass 500 Student visa.
Latest verified change1 July 2026
The main Student visa application charge increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500. Limited concessions apply, including for eligible ASEAN passport holders.
- Main intakes
- February and July
- Study work limit
- 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
- Living funds benchmark
- AUD 29,710 for 12 months, plus tuition and travel
01Application route
- Confirm that both the provider and course appear on CRICOS.
- Apply to the university or authorised application channel with academic records, English results, and course documents.
- Accept the offer, meet any conditions, and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment.
- Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover and apply online for the Subclass 500 Student visa.
02Visa essentials
- A valid Confirmation of Enrolment is required when the visa is decided.
- The Genuine Student assessment considers why this course, provider, and study plan make sense for your background.
- Financial evidence can include tuition, travel, living costs, and additional amounts for accompanying family.
- Visa processing priority can depend on the provider and the current ministerial direction, so lodge a complete application early.
03Work and after study
- Most students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
- Research master’s and doctoral students have different work conditions. Check the conditions attached to the granted visa.
- Eligible graduates may use the Temporary Graduate visa. Stream, age, qualification, English, and study history affect eligibility and length.
04What to double check
- A university offer is not a visa guarantee.
- Course transfers and changes can affect enrolment records and visa compliance.
- Use the official visa pricing estimator before paying because concessions and extra applicant charges vary.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.
CALast updated 24 August 2026
Canada
Choose a designated learning institution carefully because study permit and post graduation work eligibility depend on the school and programme.
Latest verified change1 January 2026
Master’s and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions became exempt from the provincial or territorial attestation letter requirement. Canada also reduced its 2026 study permit target.
- Common intakes
- September, January, and limited May entry
- Study work limit
- 24 hours per week off campus during classes
- Post study route
- PGWP eligibility depends on the institution, programme, and applicant
01Application route
- Check that the institution is a designated learning institution and confirm whether the exact programme is PGWP eligible.
- Apply to the institution and receive a letter of acceptance.
- Obtain a provincial or territorial attestation letter when required. Public master’s and doctoral programmes are exempt in 2026.
- Apply for the study permit with financial evidence, study plan, identity documents, and any local visa office requirements.
02Visa essentials
- You must show first year tuition, living expenses, and transportation without relying on work in Canada.
- For a programme longer than one year, explain how the remaining years will be funded.
- The living expense requirement is updated annually. IRCC has flagged another update for 1 September 2026, so check the live table before submitting.
- Changing institutions generally requires a new study permit rather than only updating an online account.
03Work and after study
- Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
- Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates do not have a PGWP field of study requirement, but they must meet the applicable language requirement.
- Many non degree programmes must be in an eligible field of study. Canada froze the eligible field list for 2026.
04What to double check
- A school can be a DLI while a specific programme is still not PGWP eligible.
- Private college partnership arrangements can have different post study outcomes.
- PAL and TAL rules, financial thresholds, and PGWP fields can change between admission and permit filing.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.
FRLast updated 24 August 2026
France
For students resident in India, Indonesia, and other covered countries, Études en France connects admission steps with the student visa process.
Latest verified change1 August 2026
Long stay student visa applications submitted from this date require evidence of at least EUR 877.50 in monthly resources.
- Main intake
- September, with limited January entry
- Study work limit
- 964 hours per year for most international students
- Long stay route
- VLS-TS student visa for courses longer than 3 months
01Application route
- Identify whether your programme uses Études en France, Parcoursup, Mon Master, or a direct institution application.
- Students resident in India and Indonesia are covered by the Études en France procedure for most higher education applications.
- Complete the required Campus France steps and interview, then obtain the institution’s admission confirmation.
- Create the France Visas application, submit the required evidence, attend the appointment, and validate the VLS-TS after arrival.
02Visa essentials
- Courses longer than three months normally use a long stay visa that also serves as a residence permit after online validation.
- From 1 August 2026, the minimum monthly resources threshold is EUR 877.50.
- The France Visas assistant generates the document list for the applicant’s nationality and circumstances.
- Deadlines vary by level and procedure. First year DAP deadlines are usually much earlier than many direct master’s applications.
03Work and after study
- Most non European students may work up to 964 hours per year. Work should supplement, not replace, the required study budget.
- Eligible graduates with a professional bachelor’s, master’s, or equivalent qualification can apply for a 12 month job seeker or business creator permit.
- Indian graduates may have specific APS provisions under the bilateral arrangement. Verify the conditions with Campus France India.
04What to double check
- A programme taught in English can still require the French national application procedure.
- Application calendars differ by study level and platform.
- Validate the VLS-TS online after arrival within the required period.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.
DELast updated 24 August 2026
Germany
Application routes vary by university. Some use uni-assist, some accept direct applications, and restricted programmes may use separate systems.
Latest verified change2026 requirement
The official 2026 study visa guidance lists at least EUR 11,904 as the blocked account benchmark and confirms work rights of 140 full days, 280 half days, or up to 20 hours per week.
- Main intake
- Winter semester, with fewer summer options
- Study work limit
- 140 full days, 280 half days, or up to 20 hours weekly
- Post study route
- Up to 18 months to find skilled employment
01Application route
- Check the DAAD programme database and the university page for language, academic, and subject prerequisites.
- Confirm whether the application goes directly to the university, through uni-assist, or through another admission route.
- Prepare certified academic documents and obtain APS verification if it applies to your education history and country.
- After admission, arrange financial proof, health insurance, and the correct national visa before travelling.
02Visa essentials
- Admission to a state recognised higher education institution is normally required for the study visa.
- Financial proof can be a blocked account, qualifying scholarship, or formal declaration of commitment.
- The official 2026 blocked account benchmark is at least EUR 11,904. Confirm the live figure with the responsible mission before transfer.
- Many programmes require German or English proof, commonly around B2 or a programme specific test level.
03Work and after study
- Third country students can generally work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week.
- Certain university student assistant roles are treated differently, so confirm conditions with the foreigners authority.
- After a German degree, graduates can seek a residence permit for up to 18 months to find skilled employment and may work while searching.
04What to double check
- Low or no tuition does not mean low total cost. Budget for semester contributions, insurance, housing, and blocked funds.
- The university, not uni-assist, makes the admission decision.
- Do not rely on converting a tourist stay into a student residence route.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.
IELast updated 24 August 2026
Ireland
Non EEA students must choose an immigration eligible full time programme and check both current provider lists during Ireland’s quality mark transition.
Latest verified change9 July 2026
Ireland’s current course guidance tells students to check both the Interim List of Eligible Programmes and the TrustEd Ireland provider list while the new quality mark replaces the older system.
- Main intake
- September, with selected January programmes
- Study work limit
- 20 hours weekly in term and 40 during set holidays
- Post study route
- 12 months for Level 8 and up to 24 months for Level 9 or above
01Application route
- Confirm that the exact course is on the ILEP or is offered by an eligible TrustEd Ireland provider.
- Apply to the institution and receive a formal offer with fees, duration, and award details.
- Pay the required course fee amount and prepare academic, language, finance, insurance, and study plan evidence.
- Apply for a long stay study visa when required, then register the immigration permission after arrival.
02Visa essentials
- For a course fee above EUR 6,000, at least EUR 6,000 normally must be paid before the visa application.
- Visa required students on courses longer than eight months must show immediate access to at least EUR 10,000, plus a credible plan for later years and tuition.
- Private medical insurance and evidence explaining gaps in education or employment may be required.
- Stamp 2 is tied to full time study and academic progression.
03Work and after study
- Stamp 2 permits up to 20 hours of casual work per week in term and 40 hours during the defined holiday periods.
- Level 8 graduates can normally receive 12 months under the Third Level Graduate Programme.
- Level 9 or higher graduates may receive a further 12 months after the first year if they meet the programme conditions.
04What to double check
- Check the exact programme, not only the provider name.
- Part time and online courses do not qualify for normal student immigration permission.
- The ILEP to TrustEd transition means provider eligibility should be rechecked immediately before paying fees.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.
NZLast updated 24 August 2026
New Zealand
An approved provider offer leads into an online student visa route, with work conditions and post study options tied to the course and qualification level.
Latest verified change20 July 2026
The Pathway Student Visa became more flexible, including lower level pathways, up to 30 weeks of English study in eligible pathways, and easier discipline changes for some school to tertiary students.
- Main intakes
- February and July
- Study work limit
- Up to 25 hours per week when visa conditions allow
- Post study route
- Up to 3 years depending on qualification
01Application route
- Choose an approved education provider that is a signatory to the learner wellbeing Code of Practice.
- Apply to the provider and receive an offer of place with the programme and fee details.
- Prepare tuition, living funds, insurance declaration, health, character, and genuine study evidence.
- Submit the Fee Paying Student Visa online. Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before travel.
02Visa essentials
- The Fee Paying Student Visa requires an approved offer, tuition funding, living expense funding, and acceptable insurance.
- A multi year course is stronger when the application includes a credible plan for funding later years.
- Student visa conditions state whether part time and holiday work is permitted.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted for the main international student visa categories.
03Work and after study
- Eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week and full time during scheduled holidays when their visa permits it.
- The Post Study Work Visa can last up to three years, depending on the qualification and study completed in New Zealand.
- From 16 November 2026, a new six month Short term Graduate Work Visa and expanded graduate diploma eligibility are scheduled to begin.
04What to double check
- Work rights are conditions of the individual visa, not an automatic entitlement for every course.
- Changing provider or lowering the study level can require a new visa.
- Apply early because peak intake processing can affect travel plans.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.
UKLast updated 24 August 2026
United Kingdom
Apply through UCAS or directly to the university, receive a CAS after meeting the offer conditions, then complete the Student visa process.
Latest verified change1 January 2027
The Graduate visa will reduce from two years to 18 months for applications made from this date. Doctoral graduates will continue to receive three years.
- Main intake
- September, with selected January entry
- Study work limit
- Usually 20 hours weekly for eligible degree study
- Student visa fee
- GBP 558 for an application outside the UK
01Application route
- Apply through UCAS for most undergraduate courses or through the university route used by the selected postgraduate programme.
- Meet academic, English, deposit, credibility, and any ATAS conditions in the offer.
- Receive the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed student sponsor.
- Apply online for the Student visa with finance evidence, identity documents, and any required tuberculosis certificate.
02Visa essentials
- The current maintenance requirement is GBP 1,529 per month in London or GBP 1,171 outside London, for up to nine months, plus unpaid course fees.
- Required funds normally must be held for 28 consecutive days unless an exemption applies.
- The Immigration Health Surcharge is separate from the visa application fee.
- Most taught postgraduate students cannot bring dependants. The main exceptions cover qualifying research degrees and government sponsored study.
03Work and after study
- Eligible students on full time degree level courses can normally work up to 20 hours per week in term and full time outside term.
- The Graduate visa lasts two years for applications made by 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027.
- Doctoral graduates continue to receive three years on the Graduate route.
04What to double check
- A CAS is not the same as an offer letter and is usually issued only after conditions are cleared.
- Maintenance amounts and immigration fees are reviewed periodically.
- Graduate route rules depend on the application date, not only the course start date.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.
USLast updated 24 August 2026
United States
Admission to an SEVP certified school comes first, followed by Form I-20, the SEVIS fee, the DS-160, and an F-1 visa interview.
Latest verified changeDecember 2025 update
The Department of State confirms online presence review for F, M, and J applicants and instructs applicants to set social media profiles to public for screening.
- Main intake
- August or September, then January
- Study work limit
- Up to 20 hours weekly on campus during classes
- Post study route
- 12 month OPT, with a possible 24 month STEM extension
01Application route
- Build a university list based on academic fit, cost, funding, testing, and programme outcomes.
- Apply to each university through its required portal and submit academic, test, essay, recommendation, and financial documents.
- After accepting an SEVP certified school, receive Form I-20 and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Complete the DS-160, pay the visa application fee, schedule the interview, and prepare to explain the study plan and finances clearly.
02Visa essentials
- University or college study normally requires an F visa. A visitor visa is not a substitute for degree study.
- The school records the student in SEVIS and issues Form I-20 after admission and financial review.
- The current student visa application fee is USD 185, with possible additional issuance fees based on nationality.
- A new student visa can be issued up to 365 days before the programme start, but entry is normally limited to 30 days before that date.
03Work and after study
- Active F-1 students can generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
- Off campus work requires a specific authorised basis such as CPT, OPT, or qualifying economic hardship. Speak to the designated school official first.
- Post completion OPT can provide up to 12 months of work related to the field of study. Eligible STEM graduates may seek a 24 month extension.
04What to double check
- Funding offers can differ sharply even between similarly ranked universities.
- Never begin off campus employment before the required authorisation is active.
- Keep application details, social profiles, the interview explanation, and the intended programme consistent and truthful.
Primary references
Official sources
This guide is general planning information, not legal or immigration advice. The linked authority and the conditions on an issued visa take priority.